NFL Draft 2014: First round primer

ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, MAY 3-4 - FILE - In this Oct. 19, 2013, file photo, South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) rushes against Tennessee offensive linesman Antonio Richardson (74) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Knoxville, Tenn. Clowney finished last season with 11 1/2 tackles for loss and three sacks after getting 23 1/2 and 13 in 2012. He is a top prospect in the upcoming NFL draft. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
The Associated Press

ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, MAY 3-4 - FILE - In this Oct. 19, 2013, file photo, South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) rushes against Tennessee offensive linesman Antonio Richardson (74) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Knoxville, Tenn. Clowney finished last season with 11 1/2 tackles for loss and three sacks after getting 23 1/2 and 13 in 2012. He is a top prospect in the upcoming NFL draft. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)

By football, of course, I mean a bunch of men sitting around a conference table wearing khakis and team-branded polo shirts, and deciding the futures of more than 250 former collegians who’ve decided to make football their livelihood.

On Thursday, the NFL Draft kicks off with its first round in prime time, and we’ll finally see what these general managers have been keeping so close to their vests.

Not ready? Don’t worry. I have you covered. Here’s a crash course in all the first-day possibilities:

1. HOUSTON TEXANS

Likely pick: Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina, Jr.)

There’s not a single quarterback I consider worthy of the first overall selection. The closer we get to the draft, the more of a no-brainer this becomes.

Plan B: Blake Bortles (QB, Central Florida, Jr.)

Alas, I’m not a part of the Texans’ player personnel department. Maybe the team’s overwhelming need at quarterback will force its hand. In that case, Bortles’ “prototypical” attributes likely will win out.

Wild card: Trade down

Atlanta could be a dance partner. The Falcons desperately need to upgrade their pass rush.

2. ST. LOUIS RAMS

Likely pick: An offensive tackle

Either Jake Matthews (Texas A&M, Sr.) or Greg Robinson (Auburn, So.) would be a solid choice, but I believe coach Jeff Fisher’s experience with the Matthews bloodline will prevail.

Plan B: Trade down

This is a natural spot for any team targeting Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson, Jr.) or Khalil Mack (OLB, Buffalo, Sr.), because neither will make it out of the top five.

Wild card: Watkins

Even after drafting Tavon Austin last year, the Rams lack a true No. 1 wide receiver.

3. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Likely pick: Mack

From his days in Seattle, Jaguars coach Gus Bradley knows that the key to a successful rebuild is focusing on the defense.

Plan B: Watkins

It doesn’t appear that Justin Blackmon is getting any smarter. The best-case scenario for his return from suspension is November.

Wild card: Johnny Manziel (QB, Texas A&M, So.)

I’m positive that owner Shahid Khan would appreciate the injection of excitement that Johnny Football would bring.

4. CLEVELAND BROWNS

Likely pick: Watkins

Waiting on a signal-caller, and pairing Watkins with Josh Gordon would make trusting Brian Hoyer at QB less laughable.

Plan B: Robinson

Adding Robinson to an offensive line that already includes Joe Thomas and Alex Mack would give the Browns one of the top units in the NFL.